LETS Go UK

21/04/2024

Congratulations Lloyd on your amazing TCS London Marathon. Not only do you have a marathon medal and an entry in the Guinness World Records - you are an absolute inspiration! 🌟

We can’t wait to hear all about your amazing experience. 🏃🏻‍♂️🏅👏

12/04/2024

LETS Go UK are looking forward to delivering an information session for Stepping Stones DS: 📚 A Positive Start - Choosing an education setting, getting transition right, & a guide to the EHCP process 📝

Becky Baxter & Sarah Holton will look at how we ensure our little ones have a positive start to early education including:

🔍 What to consider when choosing a nursery or school.
🔑 Key elements of a successful transition plan.
🤝 How to develop positive communication systems & support settings.
💡 Useful resources and strategies to promote strengths & overcome difficulties.
📘 A guide to EHCPs.

This session is open to anyone who would like to join and not just SSDS families/schools so feel free to share.

To book your place click here: https://tinyurl.com/SSDS-Pos-Start-24

👇Book now: Down syndrome Specific Online Information Session

📚 A Positive Start: Choosing an education setting, getting transition right, & a guide to the EHCP process 🎓

📣 Stepping Stones DS is excited to invite you to our upcoming online information session, where we'll be joined by Becky Baxter & Sarah Holton from LETS Go UK. They'll be guiding us through how to ensure our little ones have a positive start to early education. 📝

We'll delve into choosing the right nursery or infant/junior school, navigating transitions, and demystifying the EHCP process. Don't miss out on this invaluable session!

👩‍🏫 A Positive Start: Choosing an education setting, getting transition right, & a guide to the EHCP process 📚
👥 Delivered by Becky Baxter & Sarah Holton of LETS Go!
🗓️ Wednesday 5th June from 19:00-21:00
📍 Location: Live via Zoom & recording available for 14 days

In this session, we will discuss:
🔍 What to consider when choosing a nursery or school.
🔑 Key elements of a successful transition plan.
🤝 How to develop positive communication systems & support settings.
💡 Useful resources and strategies to promote strengths & overcome difficulties.
📘 A guide to EHCPs.

💸 Costs:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦£10 per person for Stepping Stones DS family members.
🏫 £15 per person for nursery/school staff & other professionals supporting SSDS families.
🌐 £20 per person for all other bookings

To secure your place, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SSDS-Pos-Start-24

Feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from attending this session, as places are open to everyone, not just Stepping Stones DS families. If you have any questions, please get in touch; [email protected]

Let's empower our little ones to thrive! 🌟

21/03/2024

AVAILABLE NOW 👇
📖Guidance for speech and language therapists from the Down Syndrome Clinical Excellence Network. 📚

The DS CEN have developed a document providing key information for SaLTs working with the Down syndrome community. This covers the Down syndrome specific profile and key areas for intervention. For the full document visit the DS CEN website; https://www.ds-cen.co.uk/guidance-docs

If you are a SaLT working in this area; join the DS CEN to access further information, presentations, research, and peer support by visiting https://www.ds-cen.co.uk/jointhedscen

The DS CEN has developed guidance for speech and language therapists that is specific to working with children and adults who have Down syndrome. 

20/03/2024

LETS Go! are delighted to be leading an information session for Stepping Stones DS looking at WJEC accreditations as an alterative to GCSEs.

Sam Wood will be presenting along with David Jones from the WJEC / CBAC board. This session is open to anyone who would like to join and not just SSDS families/schools so feel free to share.

To book your place click here: https://tinyurl.com/ssds-wjec

Join Stepping Stones DS for an Information Session on WJEC qualifications - an alternative to GCSEs 📚✨

Discover how our learners with Down syndrome can showcase their knowledge and skills, opening doors to higher education and employment opportunities. 🎓💼

📅 Date: Thursday 18th April
🕒 Time: 15:30 - 16:30 (Live via Zoom)
🎥 Recording available for those unable to join live

This session is a must for:

✅Parents considering mainstream secondary placement (Y4-Y6)
✅Parents already on the mainstream secondary journey (Y7 & above)
✅Secondary school SENCos

Led by Sam Wood from LETS Go UK and David Jones from the WJEC / CBAC examination board, this session covers everything from inclusion in mainstream classes to an overview of WJEC certificates and qualifications. 📝💡

Don't miss out! Book your place now: https://tinyurl.com/ssds-wjec

Prices:
🟢£10pp for Stepping Stones DS families
🔵£15pp for school staff supporting SSDS pupils
🟡£20pp for all other bookings

Let's empower our learners and create brighter futures together! 🌈✨

Feel free to share this with anyone interested as this is not just limited to SSDS families/schools! 📣

If you have any questions, please get in touch:📧[email protected]

14/03/2024

What a powerful video from the campaign challenging stereotypes about individuals with Down syndrome.

Let's reverse negative assumptions to create inclusive environments and opportunities for everyone.

04/03/2024

Research project survey for parents/carers of individuals with Down syndrome

We have been asked to share the below information regarding a current research project. It is a great opportunity to contribute to which areas of research should be a focus for people with genetic syndromes. Please note the deadline is the 10th March.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura directly: [email protected].

Hello,

My name is Dr Laura Cristescu, and I am working along with Prof Emily Farran (University of Surrey), Prof Liz Pellicano and Prof Jo Van Herwegen (UCL) and Prof Gaia Scerif (University of Oxford), on a study to understand the priorities of research for people with genetic syndromes: Shape Research, Change Lives: Setting priorities in genetic syndrome research. Our study focuses on the Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome and Williams Syndrome communities.

The aim of this part of the study is to understand the priorities of the UK Down Syndrome community and compare them to the current research landscape. We have conducted a review of the research funded and literature published in the last 10 years in the UK. We would now like to find out how these findings compare with the priorities of the Down Syndrome community. We will bring together the responses from all participants in a report we can send you. We will report your research priorities to researchers, people who fund research, and people who make decisions about public services.

We would like to invite you to take part in an online survey about your research priorities. Parent/carers of children from birth to adults are eligible to take part. If your child/young person/adult with Down Syndrome is aged 10 years to adult, they are also eligible to take part. Please note that this survey is for participants currently living in the UK.

We kindly ask you to complete our survey by 10th March 2024.

Click here to complete the survey: https://surreyfahs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXURUMrD5rsncA6

Watch our video here: https://shaperesearchchangelives.my.canva.site/surveyds

This study has been issued a Favourable Ethical Opinion by the University of Surrey Ethics Committee (REF: FHMS 22-23 222 EGA).

If you have any questions, queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting Dr Laura Cristescu at [email protected].

21/02/2024

🌈 Calling all family members 🧡

Next week Tracy & Kim of LETS Go UK are delivering an information session on behalf of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

"An Introduction to Down Syndrome for Families," focusses on the vital role of the wider family in supporting a child with Down syndrome. This session is tailored for ALL family members – parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and family friends.

Kim & Tracy will share valuable insights and experiences from families, including what they wished they had known and what proved helpful in the early years.

This session is open to everyone, not just PDSA families, so book your FREE place now: https://tinyurl.com/PDSA-Training-2023-24

Cracking information session for grandparents & relatives of young people with Down syndrome and interested professionals exploring useful information and real life experiences. All welcome. Contact email below for more information.

24/10/2023

Take part in our Down syndrome research project "Understanding primary-secondary school transition for pupils with Down syndrome in mainstream schools."

LETS Go UK and the The University of Manchester are conducting a research project which aims to understand the experiences of pupils with Down Syndrome, as well as their parents and teachers, over the period of transitioning from mainstream primary to mainstream secondary school.

• We are looking for 6 pupils who recently transitioned to Y7 in Sept 23.
• Pupils must be in, and have transitioned from, mainstream education.
• One parent/guardian, and one educator from the pupil's previous primary and current secondary school must be willing to take part in online interviews.

Please see our flyer for more information.

If you have any questions or would like to take part, please contact our researchers Kelly Burgoyne: [email protected] or Charlotte Bagnall: [email protected]

Please share this post with anyone who may be interested in taking part.

20/10/2023

We are very pleased to share that the following paper, by LETS Go UK & Manchester University, has been published:

"Views of educators working with pupils with Down syndrome on their roles and responsibilities and factors related to successful inclusion."

Read the full article published in Research in Developmental Disabilities https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104617

The paper discusses the lack of clarity and consistency in relation to the roles and responsibilities of Teachers and TAs supporting pupils with Down syndrome, and concerns relating to several factors associated with successful inclusion.

This paper follows the previous publication on parents perspectives of the educational experiences of pupils with DS attending UK schools (Reception-Year 11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104115

21/09/2023

⏰LAST CHANCE TO BOOK - Course starts MONDAY 25th SEPT⏰

🌟"SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS" 🏫📚
This 8-week online course is perfect for primary school staff, parents, and anyone eager to make a difference! 🙌

This course covers:
🧠 Understanding the Down syndrome learning profile
📖 Boosting literacy skills
🧮 Enhancing numeracy skills
🎒 Tailoring the curriculum
🤝 Fostering social strengths and positive behavior

What's included?:
🎥 Access to 5 private training videos available to watch at a time suitable for you (so no need to find staff cover!)
📝 Handouts & worksheets
💬 Live online discussion sessions
🤩 Top tips and Q&A sessions

Secure your spot for just £60+VAT.
👉 Book now: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Supporting-Pupils
Please see our flyer for full details: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Supporting-Pupils-Details

13/09/2023

🌟 Join our 8-week online course starting 25th Sept 🌟"SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS" 🏫📚

Perfect for primary school staff, parents, and anyone eager to make a difference! 🙌

This course covers:
🧠 Understanding the Down syndrome learning profile
📖 Boosting literacy skills
🧮 Enhancing numeracy skills
🎒 Tailoring the curriculum
🤝 Fostering social strengths and positive behavior

What's included?:
🎥 Access to 5 private training videos available to watch at a time suitable for you (so no need to find staff cover!)
📝 Handouts & worksheets
💬 Live online discussion sessions
🤩 Top tips and Q&A sessions

Hurry, places are LIMITED! Secure your spot for just £60+VAT.
👉 Book now: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Supporting-Pupils

Please see our flyer for full details: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Supporting-Pupils-Details

12/09/2023

❓ Do you support a secondary school aged pupil with Down syndrome?
❓ Want to learn more about the learning profile of pupils with Down syndrome?
❓ Keen to discover the literacy and numeracy strengths and challenges commonly experienced?
❓ Need help with planning the curriculum, supporting social inclusions and friendships?

✅ Then register for our online training course which starts on 10th October here: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Including-Pupils

Including pupils with Down syndrome in secondary schools is a 5-week online course designed for staff teaching and supporting pupils with Down syndrome in Key Stage 3 and 4. This course consists of:

➡️pre-recorded video presentations available for staff to view at a time suitable to them over the 5 week period.
➡️activities to complete & submitted
➡️a live discussion session for feedback, questions and answers.

Topics covered include:
✅What the team needs to know about learners with Down syndrome
✅Planning the curriculum
✅Supporting social inclusion and friendships

Read the full overview here: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Including-Pupils-Details

Cost: £60+VAT per delegate

ALSO - For primary school staff:
Our 8-week online course "Supporting pupils with DS in primary schools" starts on 25th Sept. For more information Please see our flyer for full details: https://tinyurl.com/LG-Supporting-Pupils-Details

Please share with anyone who may be interested in joining either course.